Best Frying Pans in 2020: A Pan For Everybody

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At The Cooking Expert, we're reviewing the best frying pans available on the market. However just like any other purchase, there is no one frying pan that rules supreme. Everybody has their own version of a perfect home or a perfect car. We believe that philosophy works for everything in life, frying pans included. That is why we've broken down the best frying pan from every conceivable category from non-stick pans to frying pans specifically for eggs.

Why Trust our Opinion?

We understand the intricacies of pan frying. From construction make up to unique features, every frying pan manufacturer has something to offer. We've even written a 2,000+ word guide on how to figure out what kind of frying pan you want. We've personally reviewed 20+ frying pans individually. You can check out all the reviews here if you don't believe us.

On top of our own personal reviews, we've also dug into the deep dark parts of the web to find customer reviews, warranties, instruction manuals, forums, and more to ensure we're getting the full picture for each individual frying pan.

Best Overall Non-Stick Frying Pan

The best overall non-stick frying pan is about complete value. It’s for those who want a well-rounded experience. A well-rounded frying pan should perform at every level from its construction quality to its durability. It may not be the very best at any one thing but it’s truly good to great in every single aspect.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why We Chose It

This was probably one of the hardest decisions to make in this list. We really could’ve swung a few different directions here. When it comes to the best overall frying pans, all of the top competitors are simply so close to each other. What differentiated the OXO Good Grips Frying Pan? The overall quality of this frying pan simply passed all of the tests. On top of it, this specific frying pan has actually won awards for its overall ability to complete its job. On top of all of this, the pan also adds versatility by coming in a large array of sizes and sets.

Biggest Concern

While every pan is doomed for a few negative reviews on its non-stick properties, the biggest concern with the OXO Good Grips frying pan has actually been a few defects in the shape of the pan. While very far and few in-between, you’ll want to make sure to option the package in case there’s anything wrong with the Frying Pan.

Best Induction Frying Pan

Induction stove tops are extremely cutting edge. Because of that, there’s a huge list of products that you can’t even use with an induction stove. Most frying pans are not capable of being used with induction base stoves. That’s because induction best stoves transfer energy into metal objects with electromagnetic coils through a glass top. A normal frying pan on glass induction stove will not only heat up, but it may even scratch the surface. Here’s our favorite induction capable frying pan.

Utopia Kitchen 11 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan

The wobble-free bakelite handle is ergonomically designed and riveted strongly to the pan so you can have a safe cooking experience without worrying about the handle getting loose ever.

The induction bottom of the frying pan is suitable for all types of cooking; including electric and ceramic cook tops

Formed with multi-layered nonstick and top rated aluminum alloy which is used for highly durable professional grade frying pans

High quality nonstick interior allows for easier cooking and cleanup; PFOA, lead and Cadmium-free

Dishwasher safe; for hand cleaning, first use a paper towel, wooden, or plastic spatula to remove off any loose food from the pan; then use a soft nylon scrubber, sponge, or paper towel sprinkled with a few drops of dish-washing soap to wipe the nonstick surface clean

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why We chose it

While its not the greatest induction capable frying pan on the market, it offers the greatest value. For a relatively cheap price, you’ll have a sturdy frying pan. It’s going to be very difficult to find a better frying pan capable of cooking on induction stoves for a cheaper rate. However, you can find a better quality pan at a higher price. It all depends on what you’re truly looking for.

Biggest Concerns

As with most non-stick frying pans, its biggest issue is non-stick coating durability. If we’re being honest, you should expect to replace this pan in about a year of regular use. You could potentially say the same thing about pans much more expensive too though.

MICHELANGELO 8 Inch Frying Pan with Lid

ULTRA NON-STICK COATING SCRATCH RESISTANT - The superior Ceramic & Titanium interior of this copper pans is ultra non-stick and scratch resistant that enhances both durability and cooking performance. Everything just slides right off the truly nonstick surface for optimum cooking. Ideal for use over low to medium heat with minimum oil or butter for healthy diet.

HEATS QUICKLY & EVENLY - This 8 inch frying pan with lid is made of professional grade aluminum alloy that conducts heat quickly and evenly with precise temperature control and no hot spot. Food fries quickly and evenly across the surface of the copper 8 inch skillet and slips onto the plate once ready. No chipping, no peeling or flaking.

ERGONOMIC STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE - The Michelangelo non stick omelet pan is specially designed with a long stainless steel handle that is nice to grip, easy to maneuver the pan, and stays cool when cooking. The 8 Inch frying pan is optimal for day to day cooking. Stainless Steel handle can resist high temperature cooking, oven safe up to 450°F, ideal for perfect searing fillets.

CONVENIENTLY DESIGNED GLASS LID - Heat resistant glass lid of the small frying pan makes viewing food easy from start to finish. It seals in the flavor and nutrients for a healthier and better tasting food.

NON TOXIC & INDUNCTION COMPATIBLE - Non toxic copper ceramic coating that is PFOA and PTFE free for healthy cooking. The 8 inch fry pan is made with a flat bottom which allows it to be placed evenly over heat source and suitable for use on all stove tops including induction, glass & gas. Package Includes: 1 x 8 Inch Copper Frying Pan with Lid.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

When it’s all said and done, ceramic is known to be quite glossy and its non-stick properties really stand out. However, most ceramic interiors struggle to maintain its non-stick properties in the long run. They also scratch and peel easier than some of the alternative coating options. However, the Michelangelo ceramic frying pan uses titanium ceramic construction, and we honestly feel its more durable than most ceramic materials. Others seem to agree with us as well. While the price is a little higher, the pan also comes with a lid for added versatility.

Biggest Concerns

Like most frying pans, you need to take care of it if you expect to to last. After doing some research, most of the negative ideas on this pan seem to come from people that misuse the pan. While most non-stick frying pans are safe for the dishwasher, its highly recommended that all non-stick pans are washed by hand. The detergents used in dishwashers can be harsh on a pan, which in turn lead to scratches and the decreasing effectiveness of its non-stick properties.

Best Oven-Proof Frying Pan

While most people use frying pans over a stove, they actually have a ton of uses, including cooking things in the oven. However, most frying pans have serious limits in the oven. Depending on the non-stick coating, construction material, and even the handle, most frying pans can’t be used in the oven above 350°F. Here is the best oven capable frying pan.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why We Chose It

We had quite a few different options to choose from. Most non-stick frying pans can’t handle extreme oven temperatures because it’ll ruin the non-stick coating. That said, we had to find a great natural coating for a great oven capable frying pan. In the end, we went with a cast iron option over stainless steel, mostly because quality stainless steel is harder to find than it used to be due to its increases in prices.

We believe you’ll love this pan’s effectiveness. Its of high quality and its durable as long as you occasionally re-season it. Its also factory seasoned, so you’ll be ready to go right out of the box. The pan also comes with a lid that can heat up to 400°F. Another bonus to keep oven use in mind is a removable heat sleeve for the handle to ensure the pan is safe to pick up. A removable sleeve is nice because most handles are constructed with some sort of plastic, which is something most higher oven temperatures don’t handle very well.

Biggest Concerns

The biggest downfall about this oven prepped pan is that they didn’t ensure the lid could go above 400°F. Other than that, if you take care of the pan, we fully expect it to last a very long time.

You can also check out the full review of the Cuisinel Cast-Iron Frying Pan here.

Best Frying Pan for Eggs

Eggs! They’re one of the most common things to fry over a stove for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unfortunately, they’re one of the stickiest foods to attempt to fry as well. There’s a reason people search for frying pans that can prevent even eggs from sticking to it. Here’s our best frying pan for cooking eggs.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

This was one of most difficult choices to make in this best frying pans list. Why? Because when people look for a great frying pan for eggs, what are they looking for? Are they looking for a normal shaped pan that can handle the stickiness of eggs? Are they looking for a pan that can keep the shape of a single or multiple eggs? In the end, we had to find something that worked for everybody. This pan’s shape allows you to make multiple eggs at a single time. Also, this delightful frying pan is square shape, meaning it’s the perfect shape to create an easy omelet every single time.

Lastly, in case size is an issue, it comes in two different sizes. This helps widen the audience for the pan.

Biggest Concern

Our biggest concern is undoubtedly the size of the pan. The bigger of the two sizes is 8.5 x 8.5 inches. This may not appease everybody. It’s a great egg frying pan to say the least. However, if you’re expecting to have a great all around pan that can also handle eggs, you may want to look into another direction.

You can also check out our full review of the TeChef Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan here.

Best Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Stainless Steel products are known to be not only sturdy but beautiful as well. There are tons of cookware on the market today that are available in stainless steel. Here’s our best rated Stainless Steel Frying Pan.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

A lot of stainless steel cookware has degraded in time. Its simply a more expensive resource than it used to be. That being said, this specific frying pan doesn’t show any signs of low quality construction. We firmly believe in the durability of this frying pan, hence its position as our favorite stainless steel frying pan.

Biggest Concern

The biggest concern may actually be a deal breaker for you. Reports have surfaced about this frying pan’s lid being of low quality. It’s gotten to the point to where we’d actually recommend tossing the lid as soon as you get it. In fact, we wonder why Cuisinart doesn’t toss the lid themselves. Its given a great frying pan a bad rap, and it only increases the manufacturing cost. Keep the pan, ditch the lid we say.

You can also check out our full review of the Cuisinar 722-30G Chef’s Classic 12-inch Skillet here.

Best Cast Iron Frying Pan

Cast Iron is probably one of the most popular materials for cookware. Its been around forever and its known to last nearly forever when crafted correctly and taken care of properly. Here’s our favorite and best rated cast iron frying pan.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

We actually chose this pan as the best oven capable frying pan. We’re doubling it down as the best cast iron frying pan as well. Why? Because it’s a very durable cast iron pan. It’s pre-seasoned for your convenience. It’s also very easy to clean. Honestly, we’re not sure what else you’d look for in a frying pan.

Biggest Concerns

As with any cast iron frying pan, it requires occasional seasoning to keep the pan in tip top shape. We’re concerned some buyers are unaware of this. This’ll lead to a less effective frying pan over time.

Best Copper Frying Pan

Because of copper heating properties, a copper frying pan is an excellent frying pan choice. It heats up easily and evenly, providing even professional chefs a supreme cooking experience. This is our favorite copper frying pan on the market.

NON-STICK COPPER CERAMIC COATING - the ultra-non stick Ti-Cerama interior of this frying pan is designed for maximal and even heat transfer. Easier to clean and more durable, the copper ceramic coating of this nonstick skillet lasts longer than standard non-stick coatings - no chipping, peeling or flaking.

HEAVY DUTY INNOVATIVE DESIGN - the Home Hero nonstick pan is heavy duty (2.8 mm thick) meaning it will never warp unlike 2.5 mm thick competing pans, and the ergonomic handles are designed to maximise air flow so they do not conduct heat - no more burnt hands!

TEMPERED GLASS LID INCLUDED - keeps dishes warm in the pan until they are ready for plating. Plus both the non-stick frying pan and lid are 100% dishwasher and oven safe.

100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - ensures your satisfaction. If the Home Hero copper pan does not meet your expectations, return it for a full refund. No questions asked.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

Another tough choice. There were a few higher quality copper frying pans that people seem to really enjoy. Because each of the competitors qualities were so close together, we decided the price point would be our final determining factor.

Overall, this is a well constructed copper frying pan that heats up extremely easily. Its ceramic non-stick coating is thick enough it offers a slick to cook with and easy to clean up surface. It even comes with a lid as an added bonus.

Biggest Concern

The biggest downfall of this copper frying pan is that it only comes with a single 8″ size. Some people may be looking for something a bit bigger which will lead them down an alternative frying pan choice.

You can check out our full review of the Copper Pan 8 Inch Copper Frying Pan by Home Hero.

Best Stone Frying Pan

Very similar to cast iron pans, a stone frying pan is usually constructed out of a thick and heavy material. Depending on how they’re constructed, they can be great heat conductors as well as offer non-stick properties. This is our favorite non-stick stone frying pan.

Caannasweis Nonstick Stone Frying Pan

🍳What is Stone Coating Pan? This stone pan is a kind of innovation that imitates the shape& texture of Marble stone(volcanic rock) and adopts a 100% PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium free nonstick coating. COOK HEALTHIER AND EASIER !

🍳What do you want to cook today? Made the perfect pancake, stir-fry, casserole, curry, vegetables, omelets, potatoes, fajitas, quesadillas, and more. Or just fry sausages, seafood, poultry, burgers, toasting pine nuts or even toasting off some spices. Our stone Earth & Marble frying pan makes it easy to cook food that the whole family will love.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

Why didn’t we choose it? Honestly, this is definitely one of our favorite frying pans in this entire series. It could’ve easily taken the place of several categories, but we tried to offer variety. From its effectiveness, durability, and chemical free-design, its hard to find a better frying pan at its price point. It even offers versatility by coming in a boat load of sizes.

Biggest Concern

Although its listed as induction capable, there have been some reports of certain induction stoves not being able to read the pan. Outside of this concern, there aren’t any other major concerns. Durability is reliable and even customer support has been mostly responsive to the very few defects that have occured among customers.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

This may not be the absolute best frying pan that offers a lid, but it does quite a bit well. We’ve already shown several great frying pans with lids in several categories, so here we decided to give a shout out to a very liked frying pan. This pan does a lot well by offering very colorful hard enameled exteriors, a deep pan design, and decent durability.

Biggest Concern

Everybody in the cooking industry knows the name Rachael Ray. That being said, we’re afraid part of the reason people like this pan is due to its name. The biggest overall concern with the Brights frying pan is that the non-stick coating isn’t as great compared to its competitors. We definitely recommend hand washing this pan as well as keeping the heat a bit lower while on the stove top.

Best Small frying Pan

Everybody has different needs, that’s why frying pans can be found at small as 5.5″. While that may seem too small for most, sometimes its the perfect size for the job that you require. Here’s the top rated small frying pan.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

If you’re looking for a small frying pan, you likely aren’t cooking for many, or you simply need it for a few specific dishes. That being said, we didn’t want to find too expensive of a pan nor too small of a pan. We compromised and stuck with this T-Fal model that offers a bit of everything in terms of size, technology, and construction.

Biggest Concerns

The biggest concern is the non-stick coating. The pan is a little on the cheap end, meaning this pan may not last as long as a frying pan you may shell a little more cash out for.

Best 14″ Frying Pan

Circulon 83906 Radiance Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan

If you’re looking for a huge pan, there are quite a few pans with a 14-inch diameter. These pans are big, heavy, and can hold a lot of food. While they can’t be used on every stove top, there are plenty of heating surfaces that can be used for. Here’s our opinion on the best 14″ frying pan available.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

Again, we could’ve gone a number of different ways with this 14″ frying pan category. We finally decided on this specific model because it’s simple, large, and extremely reliable. Non-stick coating can be frustrating to deal with, so what better way to find a very durable non-stick coating for such a large surface area. Even if you don’t need such a large frying pan, this specific model also comes in several smaller sizes.

Biggest Concern

We don’t have a lot of complaints about this model, except that we have reported at least one case where the lid has shattered in use. We can’t confirm whether in this case the product was defective or whether the user was misusing the cookware.

Best Cheap Frying Pan

There are times in everybody’s life where money trumps everything. While you can’t get the best frying pan available for little money, there are still some pretty good options out there. Here’s our favorite cheap frying pan in case you’re on a budget.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it?

We’re not stupid. We know you truly can’t find a cheap non-stick frying pan unless it’s non-stick coating is completely awful. Instead, we recommend going with a pre-seasoned cast iron frying pan. You won’t have to worry about poor non-stick quality. Even better, this frying pan comes in a multitude of sizes. The prices will go up per size, but not by very much.

Biggest Concern

Cast iron service can be a little rough to some people’s likings. While there are ways to smooth out the surface but, it does require some extra work.

Best Expensive/Luxury Frying Pan

Conversely to a cheap frying pan, there’s always a market for an expensive premium version of any item. Frying pans are no different. While it may be overkill to some, here’s our opinion of the best expensive frying pan that provide top of the line quality.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

In our eyes, there are two core expensive or two premium choices to choose from when it comes to frying pans. All-Clad is known for making great premium frying pans. Ultimately, we decided to go with a brand a bit lesser-known in Le Creuset. We simply felt they were superior when it came to their durability. If you’re looking to purchase a non-stick frying pan that isn’t going to have its non-stick coating chip away over time, its not going to get much better than Le Creuset. It’s also available in a multitude of sizes.

Biggest Concern

When you’re paying this much for a single piece of cookware, your expectations are going to skyrocket. That being said, there is no such thing as a perfect non-stick pan. You can care for it perfectly, but over time, it’s still going to chip and fade out. If you want a non-stick pan, you simply need to accept this fact and keep reasonable expectations.

Best Frying Pans made from the USA

Here’s our official list of frying pans made in the USA that we’ve rated as the top four options. They’re all different in their own ways, but each option offers something unique to the other from construction material, sizing, quality, and more. We recommend checking each option before making a buying decision.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Why we chose it

Overall, Tramontina makes a lot of great different kinds of cookware. They offer higher quality at relatively lower prices. The pan itself comes with a soft-grip cool handle, and it’s available in multiple sizes from 8″ to 14″. When it comes to how it’s made in the USA, it has its parts, such as the pan and handle made in another country. Those parts are then shipped to the USA and assembled. For us, this means the handles are attached to the pans by the rivets. Its then packaged and sold in the USA. So, while this frying pan isn’t 100% made in the USA, it does provide jobs for the community and country overall.

Biggest Concern

There isn’t one major concern with the Tramontina frying pan. There are several complains from customers, but they seem to be coming from different directions, meaning the pan isn’t perfect but does nearly everything well. Some complaints have including scratching too soon or the pan warping. Again, there are complaints made by a very tiny fraction of the overall number of buyers, so don’t put too much stock into it.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that there are a ton of options here. There’s simply not a single best frying pan for everybody. In fact, even with all of the options provided above, you may have an even better frying pan out there based on your need. Always remember, if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, check out our ultimate guide on how to buy a frying pan. Overall, we hope you’ve found something you’d like. If you have any questions about which one we’d choose or any suggestions for new categories, feel free to leave a comment down below. What do you think is the best frying pan available/

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